Damper mechanism

ABSTRACT

A damper mechanism comprising a single piece damper blade and a damper seal. The damper blade having a tie-down tab pair, with the tie-down tab pair positioned along a periphery edge of the damper blade for coupling a damper seal with the damper blade. The damper seal is comprised of a set of apertures for insertion of the tie-down tab pair for locking the damper seal with the damper blade.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a CONTINUATION application claiming the benefit ofpriority of the co-pending U.S. Utility Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/547,845, with a filing date of 26 Aug. 2009,which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Utility Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/201,655, filed 12 Dec. 2008, the entire disclosuresof all applications are expressly incorporated by reference in theirentirety herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning(HVAC) and, more particular to zone control using a sealed dampermechanism.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional damper mechanisms used for zone control are well known andhave been in use for a number of years. Reference is made to thefollowing few exemplary U.S. patent Publications, including U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,435,211; 5,944,098; 5,921,277; 5,899,805; 5,863,246; 5,788,218;5,318,104; 4,917,350; 4,766,807; 4,691,689; 4,674,528; 3,861,503;3,295,821; 2,835,467; and 1,517,335.

As indicated in the relevant publications, the operational effectivenessof the damper mechanism in the closed position depends upon thetightness of the damper seal with respect to the damper blade and theplenum (or sleeve) within which the damper mechanism is used for zoning.Further, the sealing surfaces of the damper mechanism should also beresistant to the fluids, the flows of which are controlled by the dampermechanism.

As further disclosed in relevant publications, in designing the specificgeometry and mounting configuration of the damper blade seals, severalinterrelated factors need to be taken into account. These factorsinclude sealing ability, closing force, friction, blade twist, driverequirement, tolerance of misalignment, and overshoot. Sealing abilityis generally a function of the closing force of the damper blade and/orthe radial interference at the damper seal between the damper blade andthe inlet opening of the plenum (or sleeve). Increasing the closingforce, however, often requires the use of relatively large drives andsturdy damper blades that resist twisting. Likewise, increasing radialinterference increases friction, which also requires larger drives andsturdier damper blades. Overshoot is the distance the damper bladeattempts to travel after reaching its intended closed position. Somedamper seal designs have an abrupt closing point that provide little orno tolerance to damper blade twist or overshoot, making them susceptibleto both leakage and damage, such as cracking Lightweight damper bladesdriven by small drive motors are usually sensitive to overshoot or allowonly the use of lightweight damper seals that provide inadequatesealing.

Regrettably, with most conventional damper mechanisms, the damper sealis mounted with the damper blade using glues, rivets, snap-on fits, orretainers, all of which are disadvantageous. Use of glues to couple thedamper seal to the damper blade is unacceptable because most adhesivesare not resistant to the fluids, the flow of which is controlled by thedamper mechanism. That is, glues or adhesives dry and loose theirretaining ability. As to the use of interferences such as rivets tomount the damper seal to the damper blade, rivets or other interferencestear into the damper seal, which over time can create cracks along thetear, resulting in separation of the damper seal from the damper blade.With respect to the use of snap-ON fits, these will not function in highvolume or high pressure HVAC systems because they can easily snap-OFFwithin high volume/pressure fluid flow, resulting in the damper sealbeing separated from the damper blades. Regarding the use of retainersto mount the damper seals onto the damper blades, most retainers used donot fully retain all of the damper seal body on the damper blade. Thatis, prior art retainers only partially secure the distal ends of thedamper seal with the damper blade, with the remaining sections of thedamper seal frictionally fitted onto the damper blade, which can becomeloose. This will enable controlled fluid to pass underneath the looseneddamper seal, cracking the seal, making it crumble into small pieces,which is then pushed out of the vents and into a room, polluting theair.

It is important to notice that, in order to replace damper mechanisms orthe damper seal itself due to damaged to the damper seals, it isnecessary to have physical access to the dampers, which are installedwithin the plenum (or sleeve), which, in turn, is installed inside of analready constructed structure such as a wall or ceiling. That is,physical access to the damper mechanisms is something not alwaysavailable and highly dependent upon details of the construction site.Further, in general, most HVAC systems that include damper mechanismsalso include insulating material that is normally placed around theplenum, sleeves or ducts, completely covering the entire unit.Accordingly, demolishing and then complex re-construction of walls,ceilings, or other permanently build structures would be required forthe replacement of the damper mechanisms. Therefore, failure of a damperseal would be costly in both parts production and required labor forreplacement.

As indicated above, the sealing ability of the damper seal is generallya function of the radial interference at the damper seal between thedamper blade and the inlet opening or the inner walls of the conduit (orsleeve). Several interrelated factors influence the overall sealingability of the damper seal. Most damper seals are comprised of soft,thin, flexible polymer or resin material that over time tend to loosetheir flexibility, deform, and retain a specific configuration. Thefluids, the flows of which are controlled by the damper mechanism, tendto degrade the soft, flexible qualities of the damper seals over time.The shapes the damper seals conform to are commensurate to theorientation or position of the dampers. In other words, for example, ifdamper seals in an open position are bent along the outer peripheryradial edges for a long duration, then, over time, the outer peripheryradial edges of damper seals loose their flexibility and conform orretain the bent configuration and become deformed. Stated otherwise, thedamper seals form a “memory,” loosing their sealing quality byconforming to a specific unwanted shape (become deformed). When the samedamper seals are moved from an open position to a closed position, theouter periphery edges of damper seals will retain their bent (deformed)orientation, and not be able to fully close to seal off fluid flow.

Accordingly, in light of the current state of the art and the drawbacksto current damper mechanisms mentioned above, a need exists for amounting system that would mount a damper seal onto a damper bladewithout using any component(s) such as adhesives, rivets, retainers,etc, and that would allow the damper seal to retain its shape, and wouldrequire minimum maintenance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a damper mechanism, comprising:

-   -   a single piece damper blade, having:    -   a first single continuous shaft bridge at a proximate center at        a first side of the damper blade and one or more second shaft        bridges at a distal ends of a second side of the damper blade;    -   a reinforcing ridge that is positioned a distance D away from        periphery of the damper blade;    -   a first tie-down tab facing the first side of the damper blade,        and a second tie down tab facing the second side of the damper        blade, with the first tie-down tab and the second tie-down tab        forming a tie-down tab pair, with the tie-down tab pair        positioned along a periphery edge of the damper blade for        coupling a damper seal with the damper blade.

An exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a dampermechanism, wherein:

-   -   the first single continuous shaft bridge at the first side of        the damper blade includes a first axial center aligned parallel        along a first longitudinal axis of the first continuous shaft        bridge;    -   the second, one or more shaft bridges at the second side of the        damper blade have common axial centers that are aligned parallel        along a second longitudinal axis of the second, one or more        shaft bridges; and    -   first axial center of the first continuous shaft bridge is        aligned with the common axial centers of the second, one or more        shaft bridges.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides adamper mechanism, wherein:

-   -   the reinforcing ridge is comprised of a protuberance in the        first side of the damper blade and a corresponding complementary        recess on the second side of the damper blade, forming an        embossment on the first side and corresponding complementary        impression on the second side.

Still another exemplary optional aspect of the present inventionprovides a damper mechanism, wherein:

The damper mechanism as set forth in claim 3, wherein:

-   -   the reinforcing ridge is comprised of a plurality of stiffening        beads.

A further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides adamper mechanism, wherein:

-   -   the tie-down tab pair is comprised of a plurality of tie-down        tab pairs that are positioned along the periphery edges of the        damper blade.

Still a further exemplary optional aspect of the present inventionprovides a damper mechanism, wherein:

-   -   the first tie-down tab is a distance T from the second tie down        tab, forming the tie-down tab pair.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides adamper mechanism, wherein:

-   -   a major body portion of a damper seal body is coupled with the        damper blade using the tie-down tab pair for maintaining the        damper seal body congruent, consistent with damper blade first        and second sides.

Yet another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention providesa damper mechanism, wherein:

-   -   the damper seal is comprised of:    -   a top that extends longitudinally along an axial length of the        damper seal;    -   a support protruded from the top, extending longitudinally along        an axial length of the top;    -   a first flap and a second flap having a first side separately        integral with the support and separated at a distance spacing        F_(DS) for forming a channel, with the first flap and the second        flap forming a flap-pair for inserting the periphery edge of the        damper blade within the channel between the flap-pair; and    -   an aperture positioned along the first side of the first flap        and the second flap for insertion of the tie-down tab pair for        locking the damper seal with the damper blade.

A further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides adamper mechanism, wherein:

-   -   The first and the second flap have a substantially trapezoid        configuration with a longer base integral the protrusion;    -   a free shorter base that is parallel with the longer base; and    -   legs that have equal length and are substantially free.

Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides adamper mechanism, wherein:

-   -   the flap-pair is comprised of a plurality of flap pairs that are        positioned along the axial length of the support, with the legs        of one flap-pair and an adjacent flap-pair separated by a        distance, forming a notch in a form of a syncline.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, takentogether with the drawings and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposesof exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits ofthe invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” is usedexclusively to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Referring to the drawings in which like reference character(s) presentcorresponding part(s) throughout:

FIGS. 1A to 1D are exemplary illustrations of an assembled dampermechanism coupled within a sleeve (or conduit) in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are exemplary perspective view illustrations of one sideof a damper mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2C and 2D are exemplary perspective view illustrations of theother side of the damper mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary perspective enlarged illustrations of thedamper mechanism, providing an overview of a mounting system of thedamper seal onto the damper blade in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 4A to 4I are exemplary perspective illustrations thatprogressively show the disassembly and removal of the damper seal fromthe damper blade in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5A to 5F are exemplary perspective illustrations of the damperblade in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 6A to 6D are exemplary perspective illustrations of the damperseal in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 7A to 7D are exemplary perspective illustrations of anotherembodiment of a damper seal in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.

FIGS. 1A to 1D are exemplary illustrations of an assembled dampermechanism 100 coupled within a sleeve (plenum or conduit) 102 inaccordance with the present invention. FIGS. 1A to 1D illustrate anon-limiting exemplary environment within which the exemplary dampermechanism 100 of the present invention may be used for fluid flowcontrol. Further, the shape of the damper mechanism 100 shown may bevaried and should not be limited to the exemplarily illustrated disclike structure. That is, the form-factor of the damper mechanism 100 maybe commensurate with the environment within which it is used. In otherwords, if the damper mechanism 100 is used in an exemplary cylindricalsleeve 102 with a circular cross-section, then one optionalconfiguration for fluid flow control within such an environment would bea damper mechanism 100 with the illustrated disc like structure. Otherconfigurations for a damper mechanism 100 are contemplated, non-limitingexamples of which may include any polygonal shape, with variety ofdimensions (thickness, length, etc.).

As further illustrated, FIG. 1A to 1D progressively show the closing ofthe damper mechanism 100 from an open position. The damper mechanism 100is rotationally mounted within the sleeve 102 by a continuous shaft 104,and is positioned in relation to a longitudinal axial center opening ofthe sleeve 102. The continuous shaft 104 may rotate or pivot along areciprocating path indicated by the arrow 106 by a drive mechanism 108,non-limiting examples of which may include manual or auto devices suchas a handle or a motor.

As further illustrated, in the closed position, damper blade 110 of thedamper mechanism 100 can substantially blocks fluid flow through sleeve102. Flexible polymeric damper seal 112 of the damper mechanism 100further assists in blocking fluid flow by preventing fluid such as airfrom leaking past the damper mechanism 100. The damper seal 112 ispositioned between an outer periphery edge of damper blade 110 and anadjacent inner surface 114 of the sleeve 102. That is, the damper seal112 extends from damper blade outer periphery edge, and contacts withthe adjacent inner surface 114 of the sleeve 102. The mounting systemand the form-factor of the damper seal 112 in relation to the damperblade 110 increase tightness between the damper blade 110 and the innersurface 114 of the conduit (or sleeve) 102, improving operationaleffectiveness of the damper mechanism 100 in its closed position andhence, improving efficiency. It should be noted that the damper seal 112could be made of any flexible material.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are exemplary perspective view illustrations of one sideof a fully assembled damper mechanism 100 in accordance with the presentinvention. FIGS. 2C and 2D are exemplary perspective view illustrationsof the other side of the same fully assembled damper mechanism 100illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with the present invention.As illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2D, a major body portion of a damper seal112 is coupled with the damper blade 110 for maintaining the damper seal112 congruent, consistent with damper blade 110 form-factor. Thisarrangement also provides a low-profile seal mechanism with the majorityof the seal body on the damper blade 110, with external forces mostlyapplied to the damper blade 110 rather than the damper seal 112. Inother words, due to the above arrangement and low-profile configurationof the damper seal 112, the weight of the damper seal 112 itself orpressure differentials within a vent or sleeve 102 on the damper seal112 is carried by the damper blade 110, and will not effect or deformthe damper seal 112. Therefore, in accordance with the presentinvention, most of the force causing deformation of the damper seal 112(whether due to the weight of the damper seal 112 itself, the pressuredifferentials, or most any other reasons), is carried by the damperblade 110. Accordingly, the deforming pressures on the damper seal 112is minimized, and the damper seal 112 maintains its original shape and,hence, its sealing ability. In addition to being low-profile with themajor body portion being on the damper blade 110, the mounting system ofthe damper seal 112 with the damper blade 110 maintains the damper seal112 completely snug and tight-fit against the damper blade 110. The snugand tight-fit damper seal 112 will prevent controlled fluid from passingunderneath the damper seal 112, which can dry, crack, and crumble thedamper seal 112 into small pieces, which then might be pushed out of thevents and into a room, polluting the air. In addition, the low-profileand snug/tight-fit arrangement of the damper seal 112 in relation to thedamper blade will provide very negligible room for the movement of thedamper seal 112 and hence, low possibility of forced deformation.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary perspective enlarged illustrations of thefully assembled damper mechanism 100, providing an overview of amounting system of the damper seal 112 onto the damper blade 110 inaccordance with the present invention. As illustrated, the major bodyportion of the damper seal 112 is coupled with the damper blade 110 by aplurality of tie-down tabs 302 (details of which are provided below).The tie-down tabs 302 are inserted through apertures 306 and bent onto aflap portion 304 of the damper seal 112, securing the damper seal 112 tothe radial distal section 308 of the damper blade 110. This arrangementmaintains the entirety of the damper seal 112 congruent, consistent withdamper blade 110 shape, provides a low-profile damper seal 112, and acomplete snug/tight-fit coupling between the damper blade 110 and theentirety of the damper seal 112. The use of tie-down tabs 302 inaccordance with the present invention obviates problems associated withthe use of adhesives such as glues to couple the damper seal 112 withthe damper blade 110, which may dry or loose their adhesive function. Inaddition, tie-down tabs 302 also correct problems associated with theuse of prior art retainers, which do not fully retain all of the damperseal body on the damper blade. The tie-down tabs 302 are alsoadvantageous compared to the use of prior art interferences such asrivets that puncture, and may tear the damper seal. The tie-down tabs302 are also beneficial over the use of prior art snap-ON fits in thatthe tie-down tabs 302 will enable the damper mechanism 100 to functionin high volume or high pressure HVAC systems, with exemplary high volumeof fluid in the exemplary range of approximately 0.5 W.G. to 10 W.G.(inches of Water Gauge) and exemplary high pressure in the exemplaryrange of about 125 Pa to 2500 Pa (Pascal). The tie-down tabs 302securely maintain the low-profile, snug/tight-fit coupling between thedamper seal 112 and the damper blade 110, preventing the damper sealfrom separating from the damper blade 110 under high pressure/volumefluid flows.

FIGS. 4A to 4I are exemplary perspective illustrations thatprogressively show the disassembly and removal of the damper seal fromthe damper blade in accordance with the present invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 4A, in order to remove (or replace) the damper seal112, the tie-down tabs 302 are moved from a bent position to a verticalorientation in relation to the radial plane of the damper blade 110. Asillustrated in FIGS. 4B to 4I, and in particular FIG. 4D, the flaps 304of the damper seal 112 are pulled away from the radial distal section308 of the damper blade 110 in the direction indicated by the arrow 402to pull out the tie-down tabs 302 from the apertures 306, separating thedamper seal 112 from the damper blade 110. As best illustrated in FIGS.4F to 4I, tie-down tabs 302 are comprised of a first tie-down tab 302Afacing the first side of the damper blade 110, and a second tie down tab302B facing the second side of the damper blade 110, with the firsttie-down tab 302A and the second tie-down tab 302B forming a tie-downtab pair 302, with the tie-down tab pair 302 positioned along aperiphery edge 404 of the damper blade 110 for coupling a damper seal112 with the damper blade 110. As further illustrated in the FIGS. 4F to4I, the flaps 304 are comprised of a first flap 304A and a second flap304B, with the first flap 304A and the second flap 304B forming aflap-pair 304 for inserting the periphery edge 404 of the damper blade110 between the flap-pair 304.

FIGS. 5A to 5F are exemplary perspective illustrations of the damperblade in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS.5A to 5F, the damper mechanism 100 of the present invention is comprisedof a single piece damper blade 110 (stamped from a single piecematerial) that has a first single continuous shaft bridge 224 at aproximate center at a first side 502 of the damper blade 110 (FIGS. 5Aand 5B) and one or more second shaft bridges 202 and 204 at a distalends of a second side 504 (FIGS. 5C and 5D) of the damper blade 110. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1D, the damper mechanism 100 is rotationallymounted within the sleeve 102 by the continuous shaft 104, which isinserted through the openings of the shaft bridges. That is, the firstsingle continuous shaft bridge 224 at the first side 502 of the damperblade 110 includes a first axial center 206 (illustrated at the secondside 504) aligned parallel along a first longitudinal axis of the firstcontinuous shaft bridge 224. The second, one or more shaft bridges 202and 204 at the second side 504 of the damper blade 110 have common axialcenters 226 and 228 (illustrated at the first side 502) that are alignedparallel along a second longitudinal axis of the second, one or moreshaft bridges 202 and 204. The first axial center 206 of the firstcontinuous shaft bridge 224 is aligned with the common axial centers 226and 228 of the second, one or more shaft bridges 202 and 204, enablingthe insertion of the continuous shaft 104 there through. The shaftbridges enable the coupling of the damper blade 110 with the continuousshaft 104 without the use of bearings, U-bolts, or any other thirdcomponent, reducing the overall weight of the damper mechanism 110,which saves energy, lowering manufacturing costs, and reducing costsrelated to installation in terms of labor and parts. The first singlecontinuous shaft bridge 224 has a non-limiting exemplary axial length ofabout 2 inches to 10 inches, a non-limiting exemplary width 520 of about0.25 inches to 1 inch and a non-limiting exemplary depth 206 of about0.25 inches to 0.75 inches. The one or more second shaft bridges 202 and204 have non-limiting exemplary axial length of about 0.50 inches to 6.0inches, non-limiting exemplary width 522 of about 0.25 inches to 0.75inches, and non-limiting exemplary depth 226 and 228 of about 0.025inches to 0.75 inches.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5F, the damper blade 110 of thepresent invention is comprised of one or more reinforcing ridges thatare positioned a distance 308 away from periphery edge 404 of the damperblade 110. The distance 308 inward enables room for the flaps 304A and304B of the damper mechanism 112 to rest thereon. The ridges function asstiffening beads to add strength and stiffness to the damper blade 110,greater than its actual gauge. As illustrated, the reinforcing ridgesare comprised of protuberances 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218 on thesecond side 504 of the damper blade 110 and corresponding complementaryrecesses 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, and 240 on the first side 502 of thedamper blade 110, forming embossments on the second side 504 andcorresponding complementary impressions on the first side 502.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5F, the damper blade 110 of thepresent invention is further comprised of a first set of tie-down tabs302B facing the first side 502 of the damper blade 110, and a second setof tie-down tabs 302A facing the second side 504 of the damper blade110. Combination of each of the tie-down tabs from the first set oftie-down tabs 302B and the second set of tie-down tabs 302A form atie-down tab pair 302, with the tie-down tab pair 302 positioned along aperiphery edge 404 of the damper blade 110 for coupling the damper seal112 with the damper blade 110. As mentioned above, the tie-down tabs 302secure the flaps 304A and 304B of the damper seal 112 onto the damperblade 110 without the use of any other material or components. Asillustrated in FIG. 5B, the height 508 of about 0.15 inches to 0.35inches, the width 506 of about 0.05 inches to 0.20 inches, and thethickness 510 of about 0.05 inches to 0.15 inches of each, individualtie-down tab 540 and 542 may vary in accordance with the environmentalrequirements. In other words, an individual tie-down tab (e.g., one of540 or 542) need not be identical to any other individual tie-down tab(e.g., the other of 540 or 542), regardless of whether the individualtie-down tab is within the first or second set of tie-down tabs 302A andor 302B. For example, the individual tie-down tab 540 need not beidentical to the individual tie-down tab 542, illustrated in FIG. 5D.Nonetheless, the height 508 of an individual tie-down tab is raisedsubstantially perpendicular to the plane of the damper blade 110, itslength 506 is substantially aligned along the periphery of the damperblade 110, and its thickness 510 is substantially equal to the damperblade thickness itself (if stamped from the single piece unit). Theheight 508 should be of sufficient size so that the tie-down tabs 302cover sufficient area of the damper seal flaps 304 to maintain thedamper seal 112 sung fit onto the damper blade 110. Hence, there is aminimum height requirement.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5E, the distances 514 of about 0.01inches to 0.10 inches between individual tie-down tabs may vary from onepair of tie-down tabs 302 to the next, but should be smaller than thesize of the apertures 306 of the damper seal 112. Accordingly, it ispreferred that the distance 514 between the individual tie-down tabs beminimal, which will enable the use of smallest size aperture 306 on thedamper seal 112, preventing cracking of the damper seal 112. Inaddition, the distances 512 (FIG. 5F) of about 0.50 inches to 5.00inches between each pair of tie-down tab 302 may also vary, butcommensurate with the length or distances between the apertures 306 onthe damper seal 112. Of course, all sizes and dimensions will vary ifthe damper blade 110 configuration changes. For example, a rectangularor any other polygonal shaped damper blade 110 will have a different,appropriate tab settings. Therefore, the number and positions of thetab-pair are commensurate with the shape and size of the damper bladeand the damper seal. In other words, the tie-down tab-pairs 302 must ahave a sufficient distance to align with sufficient number of damperseal apertures 306 to enable the entire or major portion of the damperseal 112 to snug fit onto the damper blade 110. Given that the damperseal 112 is comprised of some type of polymer or resin that can be cutwith easy, it is preferred that the damper seal 112 be made at aspecified standardized size with sufficient number of flaps 304 andapertures 306, which can then be used with any damper blade, and if needbe, the damper seal 112 can simply be cut to fit onto a desired damperblade. In other words, the damper seal can have more apertures thanthere are tie-down tabs on the damper blade, but the number of tie-downtabs can correspond equally to the number of apertures on the damperseal.

FIGS. 6A to 6D are exemplary perspective illustrations of the damperseal in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, thedamper seal 112 is comprised of a top 602 that extends longitudinallyalong an axial length of the damper seal 112, with the axial length ofthe damper seal 112 substantially commensurate with the length of theedge of the damper blade 110 that the damper seal would cover. The top602 can be any configuration so long as it can maintain its shape. Thetop having an opening 242 that extends longitudinally along an axiallength of the top 602, forms an axial opening (a through-hole). Thecross-section of the top 602 and or the cross-section of the opening 242can be of any shape, including a tubular top with a cross sections thatare circular. It is preferred that the top 602 be configured asstructurally small as possible so that it can support its own weight.This maintains the top 602 as close to the damper blade 110 as possible,helping the damper blade 110 support the damper seal 112. The axialopening 242 (the hole of the bull nose 602) must be small (about 0.20inches to 0.50 inches) to avoid deformation. The benefit of an axialopening 242 is that it allows for a barometric barrier, providing a goodisolation between upstream and downstream of airflow.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the damper seal 112 is furthercomprised of a support 604 with an exemplary height 626 of about 0.10inches to 0.25 inches, which is protruded from the top 602, extendinglongitudinally along the axial length of the top 602. As illustrated,the damper seal 112 includes a first flap 304A and a second flap 304Bhaving a first side 630 and 632 separately integral with the support604. The first flap 304A and the second flap 304B are separated at adistance spacing 624 for forming a channel 620, with the first flap 304Aand the second flap 304B forming a flap-pair 304 for inserting theperiphery edge 404 of the damper blade 110 within the channel 620between the flap-pair 304. The periphery edge 404 rests on the channelfloor 622, which secures the damper seal 112 onto the damper blade 110in a snug fit manner, preventing deformation of the damper seal 112.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the damper seal 112 is furthercomprised of an aperture 306 positioned along the first side 630 and 632of the first flap 304A and the second flap 304B for insertion of thetie-down tab pair 302 for locking the damper seal 112 with the damperblade 110. The apertures 306 are generally a rectangular shape and havea length 614 parallel along the length of the first side 630 and 632 ofthe flap pair 304, and a width 616 normal thereto. The length 614 of theaperture is generally longer than the distance 514 between the firsttie-down tab 302B and the second tie-down tab 302A.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the first and the second flap 304 havea substantially trapezoid configuration with a longer base integral thesupport 604, a free shorter base with length 618 that is parallel withthe longer base, and legs 608 and 640 that have equal length and aresubstantially free. The first and the second flap 304 have an altitude642 of sufficient height that covers the distal edge 608 of the damperblade 110, on both the first 502 and the second side 504. Asillustrated, the flap-pair 304 is comprised of a plurality of flap pairsthat are positioned along the axial length of the support 604, with thelegs 608 and 640 of one flap-pair and an adjacent flap-pair separated bya varying distance 610, forming a notch 606 in a form of a syncline withheight 612. The notches 606 are used to eliminate the stress on thedamper seal 112 as it is shaped to fit and be placed onto the damperblade 110. That is, the notches 606 provide room for the damper seal 112top 606 to maintain its shape, while the rest of the damper seal body isbent to fit the damper blade, without the damper seal top cracking. Inother words, it permits for flexibility of the damper seal (bending)without deforming or compromising the damper seal body. Therefore, thenotches 606 are used to eliminate the wrinkles that form due to stressbecause of bending the damper seal to make it fit and be congruent withthe damper blade configuration. The notches 606 enable the maintenanceof the perfect form of the damper seal to provide a high qualitysealing, and the flexibility to enable the damper seal to be congruentwith the damper blade as it is placed onto the damper blade. The height612, width 610, and the degree of separation at the vertex 644 of thesyncline (the notch) 606 can vary based on the damper blade dimensions.In general, the degree of separation at the vertex 644 the synclinegroove (notch) 606 must be of sufficient width to allow the adjacentedges 608 and 640 of the adjacent flaps 304 to touch each other withoutdeforming or bending the damper seal top.

FIGS. 7A to 7D are exemplary perspective illustrations of a morepreferred damper seal 700 in accordance with the present invention. Thedamper seal 700 includes similar corresponding or equivalent componentsand or interconnections as the damper seal that is shown in FIGS. 1A to6D, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity,convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS.7A to 7D will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component andor interconnections that has already been described above in relation todamper seal that is shown in FIGS. 1A to 6D.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the damper seal 700 provides one ormore flexible top flaps 702 juxtaposed adjacent one another and alignedalong the longitudinal axis of the damper seal 700, with each top flap702 having a length 706 parallel with the longitudinal axis of thedamper seal 700, and a height 710 of about 0.10 inches to 0.25 inches.The height 710 of the top flaps 702 is of sufficient height to maintainproper seal without loosing its form-fact. In between each top flap 702is a gap 704 that is used to eliminate the stress on the damper seal 700as it is shaped to fit and be placed onto the damper blade 110. That is,the gaps 704 provide room for the damper seal 700 top flaps 702 tomaintain their shape, while the rest of the damper seal body 700 is bentto fit the damper blade, without the damper seal top flaps 702 cracking.In other words, it permits for flexibility of the damper seal (bending)without deforming or compromising the damper seal body. Therefore, thegaps 704 are used to eliminate stress because of bending the damper sealto make it fit and be congruent with the damper blade configuration. Thegaps 704 enable the maintenance of the perfect form of the damper seal700 to provide a high quality sealing, and the flexibility to enable thedamper seal 700 to be congruent with the damper blade as it is placedonto the damper blade.

The critical and advantageous reason for the use of the top flaps 702 isthat it compensates for any deformities or variances that may exist inbetween the damper blade outer perimeter and the adjacent inner surface114 of the sleeve 102. That is, the damper blade may be configured ashas having a circular perimeter (a circumference), whereas the adjacentinner surface 114 of the sleeve 102 may not be configured as having adiameter for a perfect circular cross-section, but may have across-sectional distance that varies, making the cross-section of thesleeve 102, for example, egg shaped. These small variations between theshape of the damper blade and the adjacent inner surface 114 mayintroduce leakage and reduce the efficiency of the system. The top flaps702 are used to compensate for such discrepancies to better seal andprevent leakage due to possible deformities in terms of mismatch betweenthe damper blade and the inner surface 114. Therefore, regardless of thecross-sectional parameters of the damper blade or the inner cavity ofthe sleeve 102, the flexible top flaps 702 insure a complete sealbetween the two.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail inlanguage specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to beunderstood that the invention defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as preferred forms ofimplementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as wellas the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrativeembodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variationsand alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Forexample, the first continuous shaft bridge can be on the second side ofthe damper blade, and the second, one or more shaft bridges on the firstside. In addition, the reinforcing ridge embossments and/or impressionscan be on either the first or the second side of the damper blade. Suchvariations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, thelabels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse,clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such asupper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal,distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. havebeen used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to implyany particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used toreflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations betweenvarious portions of an object.

In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. membersthroughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used toshow a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguishor identify the various members of the group.

In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state“means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing aspecific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step”clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. Inparticular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or“operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

1. A single piece damper blade, comprising: a first tie-down tab facinga first side of the damper blade, and a second tie down tab facing asecond side of the damper blade, with the first tie-down tab and thesecond tie-down tab forming a tie-down tab pair, with one or more thetie-down tab pairs positioned along a periphery edge of the damperblade.
 2. The damper blade as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the firsttie-down tab and the second tie-down tab are separated by a distance. 3.A damper seal, comprising: a top that extends longitudinally along anaxial length of the damper seal; a support protruded from the top,extending longitudinally along an axial length of the top; a first flapand a second flap having a first side separately integral with thesupport and separated at a first distance spacing for forming a channel,with the first flap and the second flap forming a flap-pair; and anaperture positioned along the first side of the first flap and thesecond flap for insertion of the tie-down tab pair.
 4. The damper sealas set forth in claim 3, wherein: The first and the second flap have asubstantially trapezoid configuration with a longer base integral theprotrusion; a free shorter base that is parallel with the longer base;and legs that have equal length and are substantially free.
 5. Thedamper seal as set forth in claim 4, wherein: the flap-pair is comprisedof a plurality of flap pairs that are positioned along the axial lengthof the support, with the legs of one flap-pair and an adjacent flap-pairseparated by a distance, forming a notch in a form of a syncline.
 6. Adamper blade and seal, comprising: a first tie-down tab facing a firstside of the damper blade, and a second tie down tab facing a second sideof the damper blade, with the first tie-down tab and the second tie-downtab forming a tie-down tab pair, with one or more the tie-down tab pairspositioned along a periphery edge of the damper blade for coupling adamper seal with the damper blade; with a major body portion of a damperseal body coupled with the damper blade using the tie-down tab pair formaintaining the damper seal body congruent, consistent with damper bladefirst and second sides.